Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

To relieve the symptoms of ASDs, some parents and health care professionals use treatments that are outside of what is typically recommended by the pediatrician. These types of treatments are known as complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). They might include special diets, chelation (a treatment to remove heavy metals like lead from the body), biologicals (e.g., secretin), or body-based systems (like deep pressure). These types of treatments are very controversial and some are potentially dangerous. Before starting such a treatment, check it out carefully, and talk to your child's doctor. To learn more about CAM therapies, go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Get the Facts webpage.